Coalition launches strikes against Houthi bases - updated 22 Jan

12 January 2024

Air strikes launched against Houthi missile sites in Yemen (22 Jan)

At 2100 GMT on 22 January 2024, defensive air strikes commenced against Houthi missile sites in Yemen. In a briefing from US Naval Forces Central Command (NAVCENT) INTERTANKO was informed of the commencement of the strikes.

NAVCENT stated that the area of increased threat exists between 12N and 16N and west of 048E. They are not recommending a pause in movements. They regard the threat to Israeli, US and UK interests to be very high. They state that if ships do pass through the area, then they should do so with great care. If ships do pause outside the area then NAVCENT recommend that ships should hold north of 18N and east of 048E.

All ships in the area are recommended to follow the guidance in BMP5 (https://www.maritimeglobalsecurity.org/media/1037/bmp5-low_res.pdf) and, in particular, the reporting procedures for UKMTO.

 

Coalition launches strikes against Houthi bases

On the night of 11 January, following 27 separate attacks against merchant shipping in the Southern Red Sea and Gulf of Aden, multiple warnings and a UN Security Council Resolution, a comprehensive number of sites were targeted by a military coalition consisting of US, UK, Bahrain, Australia, Canada and the Netherlands. At the time of writing, the outcome and duration of the attacks is not known.

The Combined Maritime Forces (CMF) have provided advice, which can be seen here, that ships should avoid transiting the Bab al Mendab for ‘several days’ and stay above 18N and east of 46E.

The situation is dynamic and ships should consider holding outside of the area while a period of taking stock of the situation is undertaken until daylight on Saturday 13 January.

In any event, Members should follow the advice contained in BMP5 and consider their policy related to keeping the AIS transmissions on during transits. The US-led naval forces recommend that it is switched off as this is the only way in which the Houthis know for sure where a ship is. The UKMTO has stated if a ship is passing through the area without AIS on, then this may delay them in their ability to send see-and-avoid notices direct to the ship. Therefore, if the decision is taken to turn off AIS, then ships should increase the frequency of position reports to UKMTO. For day versus night transits, the vast majority of attacks have occurred during daylight hours and so a night transit should be considered. However, the risk of collision with so many ships going through at the same time should also be taken into account.

Contact: Phil Belcher

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